Upon first arrival in Geneva, Switzerland I went for a walk and happened across an overpass above a railroad junction near the main train station. I instantly decided to experiment with a new tilt-shift lens to create images with a miniature effect. Having had a train set as a child I thought applying a miniature effect to the scene would work well. The image worked out well in my book as far as tilt-shift miniatures go, but my interpretation of the image has shifted (no pun intended) since I first took it.
Railroad Junction - Geneva, Switzerland
Now when I look at this image the narrow focal plane and shallow depth of field highlights the rougher looking lines traveling through the frame. I see less a miniature and more parallel patterns to that found in tree bark and other photo subjects. Perhaps this parallel comes to mind because of recent photographs I’ve been working on or that I’m staying up too late. No matter what the reason, the observation is an important one to note as it highlights a key component of seeing. When looking for patterns, textures, lines, etc. you’re bound to find similar patterns and lines that follow a common geometry. Learning those patterns over time will enable you to see and compose images in a more timely fashion.
Mini Pinscher Taking A Closer Look - Lugano, Switzerland
If you’re looking for something new well this is it until I get back from my trip at the end of this week. I decided to be a little crafty and schedule this one in advance. I recommend you snoop around my blog as I snoop across the Northwest for new photo opportunities.
The following are my most read posts over the last 7 days and might make for some interesting reading:
As to this particular photograph… this Mini Pinscher was quite a curious fellow as I walked through Lugano’s farmers market early one morning. Fortunately my camera was spared a raised leg.
Late morning in the Swiss Alps on this day last October was truly beauty defined. Yellow Larch trees (thank you Cynth Barnes) and an amazing turquoise Grindjesee Lake proved to be this color photographers dream subject. A little secret I can let you in on… I view photos from this location anytime I want to take a break from my hectic schedule and unwind. I lucked out witnessing this view when the lake was incredibly still. The only time the lake was disturbed was when a fish would snap at an insect on the waters surface. Calm and serene… definitely a moment cherished. On that note I hope each and everyone of you reading my blog have a great weekend and you too find your moment of serenity and beauty to photograph.
I hope everyone here in the U.S. had a great 3-day weekend. No rest for the wicked. Rather than venture out I decided to catch up on photos and churned through another 300 new images from Switzerland. While I photographed a variety of subjects I can’t help but get a chuckle out of my cow portraits. These photos were a pet project of mine, while I was capturing a variety of landscape, nature and travel photos.
Taking A Closer Look - A curious cow wearing a large bell in Grindelwald, Switzerland
The interaction between man and domesticated animals seemed to be quite different in Switzerland than what I’m accustomed to seeing here in the U.S. Tough to say if that is truly the case. It could just be the difference of green pastures versus muddy fields. The cows were generally curious and friendly. Some were rather shy, but can you blame them. Most wanted to take a bite of my lens if not take a lick. The sound of the shutter was enough to make them look twice and/or take a step back.
Cow Encounter - A wide perspective of a curious cow in Grindelwald, Switzerland
What pitfalls were there in taking photos of cows in Switzerland you ask? Electric fences. I was lucky I never got zapped. I was often leaning over or under the electric fences with only an inch or so to spare. That’s just the price you have to pay to photograph cows with a fisheye lens. Numerous photos and zero electrical shocks… that spells success in my book.
While visiting Switzerland last Fall I was happy to have arrived in Interlaken during peak Fall color. The forests of Switzerland combined with the majestic snow covered mountains were a sight to see. Fortunately for me and perhaps you, my camera was never far from reach. Thanks to nature’s wide variety of Fall color even the most common activities, such as a train crossing a bridge, was transformed into something special. Many of my photos are slowly making their way to my web site so if you’re interested in seeing more be sure to check out my other Switzerland stock photos.
FYI photos from Switzerland aren’t the only new photos on my site. Be sure to check out my latest new stock and fine art photography from time to time and let me know if anything catches your eye.
Golden Pass Train to Interlaken, Switzerland
Photographed above is the famous Golden Pass Panoramic train crossing a bridge before diving back into a dense forest on its way to Interlaken, Switzerland.
No matter what the reason, the observation is an important one to note as it highlights a key component of seeing. When looking for patterns, textures, lines, etc. you’re bound to find similar patterns and lines that follow a common geometry. Learning those patterns over time will enable you to see and compose images in a more timely fashion.
